Sporting Kansas City sign Jorge Claros and Martin Steuble

Sporting Kansas City bolstered its midfield by adding two international midfielders on free transfers.

On Wednesday, the club announced that they have added Honduran Jorge Claros and Swiss-Filipino Martin Steuble to their roster.

“We are always looking for players to enhance our roster,” head coach Peter Vermes said. “Not only is the quality of Jorge and Martin high, but obviously with the injuries and things we have dealt with this season adding them will be a great benefit for the second half of the season.”

Steuble has played professionally in Switzerland since 2008. His leaves FC Wil 1900 in the Swiss second division to join the reigning MLS champion. He has appeared nine times for Philippines, scoring once against Nepal.

“I am really excited to join Sporting KC,” the 26-year-old said in the Sporting KC statement. “I was there for a trial and loved what I saw. I felt good from the beginning and am honored that they offered me a contract. The team is doing very well right now and I’m just going to do whatever I can to help.”

Claros is a veteran at the international level. He made his international debut in 2006 and now has 53 caps to his name. He was a member of the Honduras team that was eliminated from the 2014 World Cup in the group stage. He played all three games, but didn’t score or assist a goal.

The 28-year-old has an unbelievable story. On June 16, 2011, he survived a gunshot to the head. The midfielder was driving the Chevrolet he had bought from former teammate Emilio Izaguirre in San Pedro Sula, the most violent city in the world. His pregnant wife, Elsa, and another individual were in the car with him.

He pulled into a gas station and was ambushed by two men who wanted to steal his car. His instincts kicked in and he hastily drove off. As he was speeding off, two bullets shattered the windscreen and struck Claros. The first bullet struck his left shoulder and the second glanced against his head. Elsa and the passenger weren’t hurt.

Óscar Benítez, the doctor who treated him said, “He was very lucky, it can be defined as a miracle.”

Months after the incident, Claros joined Scottish club Hibernian on loan. He helped the club get to the 2012 and 2013 Scottish Cup Finals

The holding midfielder who was brought in to replace Uri Rosell – who left SKC to join Portuguese powerhouse Sporting Clube de Portugal ‒ said he was thrilled with the move to the MLS.

“I am very happy to be here,” Claros said. “This is a big opportunity for me and I am thankful to Major League Soccer and to Sporting Kansas City. I hope to reward them for their faith in me with my play on the field.”

Claros has been added to SKC’s roster and will be eligible to play this weekend, while Steuble will join the team in the near future. With the two players signed and delivered, SKC now has 30 players under contract.

About Shay Awosiyan

I'm a broadcast journalism student at the University of Oklahoma. I'm a sports enthusiast, with an uncontrollable love for soccer. I am a devoted follower of international football, MLS, EPL, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, NBA, NFL and many more. Follow me on twitter @THESHAY11.